The St George Illawarra Dragons have survived a scare to go two from two to start the NRLW season with a 16-10 victory over the Parramatta Eels at Commbank Stadium.
It was an end-to-end affair in the contest and it took almost 20 minutes for the Dragons to open the scoring when off the back of a scrum the Dragons went right finding Keele Browne who was able to fight her way over.
Back-to-back penalties hurt the Eels as the Red ‘V' started to mount repeated pressure on the Parramatta line and they took advantage when they shifted left and found Page McGregor to score out wide. Goal kicking became an issue for the Dragons as they could only lead 8-0.
The Eels took advantage when Tiana Penitani was able to get through space and a footrace between the former Aussie 7 teammates saw the Eels captain get past Emma Tonegato to score.
The goal-kicking woes of the Dragons proved to be an issue when Gayle Broughton was able to score for the Eels after she put Tiana Penitani through into space again before the ball ended back up with Broughton to finish things off. The conversion from Tayla Preston from in front was successful giving the Eels a 10-8 lead at the break.
Neither side could have pure dominance in the second half though the Dragons were able to take advantage again on their left-hand side when again off the back of a scrum, the Red V looked to go left as Teagan Berry was able to get her way over the line. The conversion was again missed and despite having an extra try, the Dragons could only manage to lead by 2.
Sustained pressure on the Eels defence became an issue when they couldn't wrap the ball up on last tackle as Taliah Fuimaono was able to keep the ball alive and an overlap saw the ball end up with Page McGreogr who scored her second of the afternoon. Another missed conversion saw the Eels with a chance to level.
Despite some late chances, the Eels couldn't get across the line and eventually fell to the 16-10 defeat. Next weekend, the Dragons have a grand final rematch against the Roosters to open Allianz Stadium whilst the Eels take on the Knights in a must win match in Newcastle next Sunday night.